Nov. 11, 2016: 'Exploding Universe' and 'Stars of the Alaskan Sky'

by Michelle Saport  |   

As Alaska's largest planetarium, the UAA Planetarium & Visualization Theater is an immersive place to explore the world around us-from the smallest microbes to the most distant galaxies. See below to learn what's playing next at the UAA Planetarium. For more information, including how to become a planetarium member, please visit uaa.alaska.edu/planetarium.

20151016-exploding-universeExploding Universe, presented by Planetarium Director and Professor of Astronomy Erin Hicks Friday, Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m. ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building, Room 220 Tickets / Preview

Out of devastating events in the cosmos comes new creation. Explosive phenomena are responsible for the way we see the universe today and not all of them happen on a grand scale.

When giant stars explode as "supernovas," they seed the galaxies with heavy elements that make planets and life possible. Some collisions we are only just now starting to understand. For example, when black holes collide, they can throw off some of the most energetic particles known, ripping and warping space as they go. Other "explosions" have profound effects as well, such as the beauty and power of supervolcanoes, which have contributed to the transformation of our world into the life-bearing oasis we now enjoy. The smallest of explosions, such as the forced impact of atoms, can echo the foundation events of the early universe.

As the universe has transformed into the structure we live in now, even the most elementary particles have endured. This show follows the path of one of these particles, a proton, as it participates in nature's astounding events of rebirth and renewal.

20160406-stars-of-ak-skyStars of the Alaskan Sky: Winter, presented by Planetarium Manager Omega Smith Friday, Nov. 11, 8 p.m. ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building, Room 220 Tickets

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what you were seeing? What is that bright object on the horizon? Where is the Big Dipper? In a special all-live presentation, we'll take you on a tour of the night sky and show you what you can see during our long winter nights. You'll learn what constellations and planets are visible, as well as how to look for the moon. Best of all, it will be a balmy 68 degrees inside the planetarium.

Save the date for these upcoming shows at the UAA Planetarium & Visualization Theater:

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